Deal Town FC

MENS FIRST TEAM

Deal Town played Lancing FC on 28th December 2024 in the Isthmian League South East Division. Deal Town won five - nil against Lancing in front of a crowd of 256 at Lancing. The Deal goals came from Archie Hatcher, Ashley Miller, Ife Oni, Tom Chapman and Wes Hennessey.

An emphatic and dominant first half display, which produced all five goals, ensures three points head back to Kent and the Hoops finish December unbeaten.

Deal Town made the trip to the Sussex coast to play Lancing on Saturday, our initial opponents in the Isthmian South-East Division back in August, on the opening day of the League season. This fixture also came as the boys’ third game within seven days so that, along with the derby-day clash at Ramsgate in mind on New Years Day, four changes were made with Macaulay Murray, Ben Chapman, Rory Smith and Josh Vincent making way for Wes Hennessey, Ife Oni, Max Niblett and Ashley Miller.

On a cold day, both teams struggled to get a foothold in the opening minutes with Lancing showing their intentions in the 10th minute; a corner being cleared decisively by the resolute Deal defenders. This just happened to be the catalyst which sparked Deal into life as two quick chances followed. The first via a forward ball from Miller to Tom Chapman who played it into the open Hennessey in the middle, but the ball running under his outstretched foot. The second falling to Oni courtesy of Miller’s pass, but the home keeper James Dillon saved with his legs.

Lancing were now growing into the game and, despite their lowly league position, looked a well drilled and confident unit. Harrison Parker (2) and Noel Fisher (11) looking particularly lively in attacking areas, when in position, albeit their final pass seemed to lack the necessary penetration. Deal were easily matching them and, after a snap shot by Alfie Foster which was pawed away by the home keeper, it was no surprise to see Deal finally take the lead. Alex Green’s every attacking forward movement and flair found Archie Hatcher whose shot was fired away into the bottom left corner (26’).

Buoyed by the opening strike, Deal continued to develop their transitions into the final third with an eye for another goal. It did not take long, just five minutes in fact; a cross from Hennessey who put it on a plate for Miller, who easily dispatched for the second (31’). Momentum was key with Deal now on a roll; in no time, a third goal was nestling in the net. This time a corner from Jack Paxman found Miller and his pass found Oni in space to finish (38’). The third strike took the wind, if there really was any, out of the Lancing sails; with the final seven minutes of the half remaining, they were punished twice more. TC adding to the tally, earning himself his 16th of the season (40’) and Hennessey getting off the mark for the season (44’) to give Deal a five-goal lead to finish off the first 45. The Hoops clearly showing that taking the opportunities presented at this level of football has its rewards.

HALF TIME: Lancing 0 – 5 Deal Town

TC was given the opportunity to rest, ahead of Wednesday’s visit to Ramsgate, as he was replaced by Alex Smith. Lancing could easily have capitulated but, give them their due, they seemed to lift their performance and try to use their quicker, more skilful players, to fashion opportunities to pull themselves back into the fixture. Similarly to earlier spells in the first half, Lancing’s Parker (2) and Fisher (11) were industrious, working tirelessly down the right. Adam Molloy was rarely tested but was called into action to make two saves, from separate opportunities, as the hosts looked like a team desperate for a glimmer of hope.

Steve King seemed conscious of New Years Day; three more changes on the hour-mark with Taylor Lamb, Miller and Oni replaced by B. Chapman, R. Smith and Murray. The fresh energy soon paid dividends as Hennessey catching the opposing ‘keeper, Dillon, in no-man’s-land well outside his area on the left. Despite getting his shot away it drifted past the right-hand post. The final substitution saw Josh Vincent replace Hennessey, as the game heading into the final quarter. The alteration seeing Pax’ moving into midfield and Vincent taking up his usual central-defensive duties.

Try as they might Lancing, with plenty of possession, just could not muster a real shot on target despite several chances coming in from various angles. Deal were happy to cover back in the midfield and look to counter if anything looked like an opportunity. To say the fixture petered out was an understatement, much to suit the Hoops in fairness, and were content to soak up any continued Lancing possession. With three additional minutes played, Deal saw out the closing stages and ensured the points and a clean sheet headed back to CT14.

The away team man of the match, as sponsored by MAPS, was selected as Archie Hatcher.

FULL TIME: Lancing 0 - 5 Deal Town

Report courtesy of Don Macleod

Deal Town Starting XI: Adam Molloy, Jack Paxman, Alfie Foster, Taylor Lamb, Tom Chapman, Max Niblett, Wes Hennessey, Alex Green, Ife Oni, Ashley Miller, Archie Hatcher.

Subs: Macaulay Murray, Ben Chapman, Rory Smith, Alex Smith, Josh Vincent.

Deal Goals: Archie Hatcher ('26) Ashley Miller ('31) Ife Oni ('38) Tom Chapman ('40) Wes Hennessey ('44)

Referee: Whiting

Attendance: 256